Ruslan Varankov
MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) - Belarus is ready to discuss any problematic issues with Lithuania, but without any preconditions, Ruslan Varankov, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, said in response to a question from RIA Novosti regarding the recent statements made by the prime minister and president of Lithuania, BelTA has learned.
Journalists drew attention to a statement by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė that Vilnius would consider the possibility of a meeting with Belarusian representatives at the level of deputy foreign ministers only if Minsk met three conditions: stopping weather balloons from crossing the border, returning trucks detained in Belarus without fines, and halting the flow of illegal migrants. Meanwhile, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized in his statements that dialogue is only possible if Belarus demonstrates “neighborly goodwill”. Journalists asked how the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses this proposal and the conditions put forward by the Lithuanian side.
“Minsk has repeatedly and with utmost clarity stated: we are ready to discuss any problematic issues without any preconditions. This is a fundamental principle that is understood by everyone, including our partners across the ocean, the recent visit of U.S. President’s Special Envoy John Coale clearly confirmed this,” Ruslan Varankov said.
“As for the artificial ultimatums that Vilnius is trying to put forward, they have nothing to do with good neighborly relations or normal diplomatic practice,” he emphasized.
The spokesperson noted that Belarus has not approached any third parties for mediation. The initiatives coming from external partners reflect their own vision. “We are ready to consider such proposals, but not at anyone’s behest,” he said.
“If we are to talk about ‘neighborly goodwill’, the Lithuanian side currently has accumulated many issues for which Lithuanian society demands answers - from border operations and the ability to visit relatives and tend to the graves of loved ones, to severed business ties with Belarus. We have no intention of solving these issues alone. Especially since they lie within the sphere of Lithuania’s own interests. Their leadership will have to answer to their people for this,” Ruslan Varankov continued.
Regarding the unwillingness of Lithuanian colleagues to engage in an equal dialogue with Belarus at this time and their public announcement of demands rather than sitting down at the negotiating table, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson remarked: “Well, the reluctance to resolve these accumulated issues is on their conscience. For our part, openness to constructive dialogue remains.”
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